How to Defrost a Cake

Freezing cake is a good way of saving it for later. Whether you froze the cake whole or in layers, you defrost it basically the same way. Place the cake in the fridge for at least a day to thaw, then set it on the counter to let it come to room temperature.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Defrosting a Whole Cake

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1
Eat the cake within a year. If you're saving your wedding cake, you can still eat it on your first anniversary. However, you really shouldn't eat it much after that. The flavor and quality will definitely deteriorate.^{[1]XResearch source}
- However, for the best quality, try to eat your cake within 6 months or so if it's not a wedding cake.
2
Set the covered cake in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. Start the thawing process in the refrigerator. Keep the cake in its wrappings, as you may damage it if you try to take it out at this point.^{[2]XResearch source}
- You can leave it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before eating. It may start to go stale after that.
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3
Place the whole cake on the counter. After it has thawed in the refrigerator, take it out about an hour before you want to eat it. That will help it come up to a good temperature for eating.^{[3]XResearch source}
- Keep it in the wrapping while it thaws on the counter, too.
4
Remove the wrappings to eat the cake. If you prepped your cake well, it should have several layers of wrappings. Carefully peel off any plastic wrap or aluminum foil you used, as it may have stuck to the cake in places.^{[4]XResearch source}
- If the outside of the cake is unfrosted, you can frost it now as it thaws.
5
Add decorations to the cake. If you are using the cake for a party or centerpiece, smooth out the frosting with a knife. Add any decorations to the cake, as there shouldn't have been any on the cake when you froze it.
- If you froze the cake with decorations on it, they're likely smushed. You may need to do some damage control, such as scraping off iced decorations. Smooth out the icing, and top it with sprinkles or another decoration to hide the damage.
- Other decorations might bleed, like sprinkles. In that case, you might be able to swirl the colors into the cake frosting for a fun effect.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Defrosting Cake Layers

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While you can freeze cake layers for much longer, the quality will start to degrade after a few months. It will still be safe to eat for up to a year, though.
2
Place the covered layers in the refrigerator overnight. Like whole cakes, layers thaw best in the refrigerator. However, individual layers may defrost a bit faster than whole cakes, so you may get away with only 12-16 hours in the fridge instead of 24 hours.^{[5]XResearch source}
- Use the layers within 2 days, as they'll likely get stale after that.
3
Frost your cake straight from the fridge. You don't need to let it warm up on the counter before you frost it. It will warm up while you're working with it. In fact, it's easier to frost a previously frozen cake layer because it doesn't create as many crumbs. After frosting, add any decorations you'd like, such as piping, sprinkles, or chocolate shavings.^{[6]XResearch source}
- It can still be lightly frozen in the center if you're frosting it on the counter.
- You may even be able to get away without doing a crumb layer of frosting.
When you leave a frozen cake out on the counter, it tends to get mushy. Don't try to speed up the process by just leaving the cake layers on the counter.^{[7]XResearch source}

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Do you have to fully thaw frozen cake?
Maria Short
Baker
Maria Short is a Baker and the Owner of Short N Sweet Bakery & Cafe in Hilo, Hawaii. With over 24 years of experience, she specializes in specialty desserts and wedding cakes. She graduated from L’Academie de Cuisine’s Pastry Arts Program with honors and studied at Baltimore International Culinary College. In 2019, Maria competed in the 6th season of the Food Network’s Holiday Baking Championship. In 2010, she had a cake named one of “America’s Most Beautiful Cakes” by Brides magazine.
Maria Short
Baker
Expert Answer
Yes, if it's a dense cake (like butter cakes, marble cakes, and cupcakes). You can have an accident if you're exerting so much force to cut through a thick, frozen cake.
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How long does it take to thaw a frozen cake?
Drew Hawkins1
Community Answer
The best way to thaw a frozen cake is to let it slowly come to room temperature. To do that, take it out of the freezer and place it in a refrigerator. Leave the cake in its wrappings in the fridge for a full 24 hours so it slowly starts to thaw. You could even leave the cake for up to 2 days. Take the cake out of the fridge and place it on your counter about an hour before you want to cut and serve it and it'll be good to go!
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Can you defrost cake in microwave?
Drew Hawkins1
Community Answer
No, you really shouldn't. The microwave will alter and melt the frosting and the cake won't thaw evenly. You'll end up with a mess of frosting and cake, with the center still frozen. The best way to defrost a cake is to let it slowly thaw in your refrigerator for at least 24 hours. Then, let it come to room temperature by taking it out of your fridge and placing it on your counter for about an hour before you plan to eat it.
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If you're defrosting a cake to carve it, know that some lighter kinds, such as chiffons and sponges, need to be rather firm when carved. Do not defrost them completely before carving.
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